Mantis religiosa preying on hopper

[MacroLuv]

I was trying to get better shotting position but spreading bushy grass helped this hopper to release itself.



Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 12.06.2007 11:41:19
Shutter speed value 1/125 s
Aperture value f/11
ISO speed ratings ISO 200
Focal length 100 mm



Model Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL
Date/time original 12.06.2007 11:41:59
Shutter speed value 1/200 s
Aperture value f/11
ISO speed ratings ISO 200
Focal length 100 mm

[Bruce Williams]

Pic2 is a most unusual (and very interesting) viewpoint. Focus is good as is lighting. I'm struck by the wonderfully effective camouflage of both creatures but especially the mantis.

Have missed your postings Nikola.

Bruce

[beetleman]

Hi Nikola...glad to see you back. I see you are up to your neck in grass and mantises again. I agree on the second photo, an incredible angle IMO.

[Ken Ramos]

Yes a very nice angle on the second image but I really like the first the best. The mantis looks as though it is relishing the thought of a nice juciy bite of grasshopper, yum!

[MacroLuv]

Thanks guys!
I'm back from the first part of my this year vacation. I have been shotting macros almost twenty days, you guess, at my favorite little island location and have many gigabytes of new fresh photographs.

[rjlittlefield]

Nikola, I also am glad to see you back! I see you brought some of your favorite mantis with you.

Do I understand correctly that the hopper actually got away? I didn't know that mantises ever let that happen, even when disturbed!

--Rik

[MacroLuv]

Thanks Rik!
Yep, hopper escaped with my little help. Actually, by scattering the bushy grass I've put mantis on the rack.